Mark Craig's Northern Intelligence

Article by: MARK CRAIG

Star Tribune

November 2, 2013 - 7:07 PM

northern intelligence

The Packers were formed in 1919, so they’ve played a few games over the years. Last week’s victory over the Vikings marked only the second time in franchise history that they have had a 75-yard touchdown catch and a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown in the same game. The only other time they have done it was against Tampa Bay on Oct. 2, 1983. The last NFL team to do it was the 49ers back on Nov. 21, 1988.

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Bears quarterback Jay Cutler won’t start Monday against the Packers. But is that good or bad? Yeah, he’s better than Josh McCown. But … Cutler is 1-7 vs. the Packers with nine touchdown passes, 16 interceptions and a 61.5 passer rating. Of course, Matt Forte isn’t any better against the Pack. Forte averages 51.7 yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry when he faces Green Bay. Come to think of it, the whole Bears team struggles against the Packers. Green Bay has won six in a row, including an NFC title game, while holding Chicago to just seven offensive touchdowns.

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The Lions, who have a bye, are the first team since the 2003 Vikings to have an 800-yard receiver and a running back with 800 total yards through eight games, according to Stats LLC. Receiver Calvin Johnson, coming off a 329-yard outing against Dallas, has 821 yards. Running back Reggie Bush has 853 total yards (518 rushing, 335 receiving). In 2003, the Vikings had Randy Moss with 878 yards receiving and running back Moe Williams with 801 total yards. Scott Linehan was Vikings offensive coordinator in 2003 and is now Detroit’s OC.